BFTP: 4 Es of educational technology workshops

There is an old story told about the King of Mars who sent a scout in his flying saucer to find out about American schools. When the scout returned, he reported that these "schools" were the strangest places. It was where young people gathered to watch old people work.

I gave workshops at conference for over 20 years. So I thought a lot about what separates those that motivate, inspire, and give participant practical value from those that don't. Some of my reflections are in this old article: Top Ten Secrets for a Successful Workshop Library Media Connection, October 2006. And I stand by all 10 of my "secrets."

I am not a big fan of conference sessions that show "the top 50 sites/apps/devices in 50 minutes." I know they are popular but so are beer and potato chips. I am not terribly sure they are very good for the professional. What I find is that most teachers* would prefer to learn a few simple tools and actually have time to learn to practice with them and discuss how they might be used in the classroom. My recipe is in the graphic below:
 

In my creativity workshop, I always ask the participants to do a simple activity (make a poster, an Animoto movie, etc.) which shows creativity. I place the activity at the beginning of the workshop instead of at the end. That way we have a recent frame of reference when discussing the challenges for both the student and the teacher when it comes to being creative - especially evaluation.

The only downside I see is that as a product of an education in which I as the student usually watched the teacher work, I feel incredibly lazy during participant work time. Yes, I circulate, answer questions, do technical trouble-shooting, etc., but I can't help wonder if I am actually earning my money. I'll do my best to get over it.

*For some reason I tend lose old guys and administrators at break when there is a lot of hands on time.

Original post 12/12/14